We’ve all heard the old expression, “something old, something new, something blue,” as a guide for picking out wedding attire, and as much as personalization and modern touches have become all the rage in contemporary wedding planning, there are still plenty of couples who wish to play homage to their lineage and tell the story of their ancestry on their special days.
While some couples may choose a theme that reflects traditional or vintage style, others may be looking for those small touches that can tell your family’s story and add a touch of class to the proceedings. There’s no limit to what you can do with family heirlooms in terms of decor and wardrobe choices, but if you’re looking for inspiration, here are a few of our favorite ideas from Nanina’s in the Park!
- Vintage centerpieces
The centerpieces at your wedding reception will be the focal point of your post-ceremony festivities, so this is a perfect opportunity to let your creative juices flow. Centerpieces can take the form of just about anything, but a good rule of thumb when planning one with antique accents is to use one piece and surround it with more modern touches. For instance, antique canning jars as a flower vase, framing the look of a centerpiece with antique photos or even toys from the bride/groom’s childhood can fit seamlessly into the decorative scheme.
- Attire
Antique accents are the perfect accompaniment to a modern wedding ensemble, so experiment with your significant other to find the perfect last touch for your dress or suit. Some good ideas to keep in mind are brooch pins, tiaras, hair accessories, old war medals, cuff links and anything else that has sentimental value and has a story to tell.
- Suspended Decor
A great way to tie together your inclusion of antique accents with modern wedding style is to use a common decorative tactic to give them new life. Hanging accents, such as teacups, picture frames and other small props, can look magnificent when paired with several candles below in other vintage containers. Or, go with an antique vessel like an old jam jar, and fill them with flowers and hang them all around your reception hall. This is a great way to add more visual appeal to a piece of decor.
- Re-purposed items
Last but not least, one of the best ways to jazz up the look of antiques and other vintage items is to repurpose them in a different way. For instance, an old suitcase can be used as a place for guests to drop off cards and well wishes, while an old Gramophone can be a stunningly attractive accent for a cocktail reception area. There’s no hard and fast rule that dictates how you should decorate your special day, so experiment with your antique accents to find the perfect mix for your chosen theme!
